With spring training just a week away, the Pittsburgh Pirates are actively pursuing improvements in their pitching and hitting departments by targeting free agents Marcell Ozuna and Framber Valdez. The team aims to bolster its roster as it prepares for the upcoming MLB season.
The Pirates have emerged as
“one of the most aggressive clubs”
chasing left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. In addition to Valdez, the front office is exploring options to enhance their offensive lineup, focusing on Marcell Ozuna as a potential fit.
Offseason Moves and Ambitions to Revamp the Team
This offseason, the Pirates have taken an unusually assertive approach to player acquisitions, a shift from their typical activity levels. So far, their additions feature Brandon Lowe and Jhostynxon Garcia via trades, as well as free agent Ryan O’Hearn. Despite these moves, the team recognizes the need for more impactful players to strengthen the roster.
Earlier in the offseason, Pittsburgh aggressively pursued Kyle Schwarber, reportedly offering a franchise-record four-year, $125 million contract. However, Schwarber chose to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies for five years and $150 million. The Pirates also showed interest in Pete Alonso before he ultimately signed with the Baltimore Orioles, although it remains uncertain if a formal offer was made.
Valdez’s Potential to Anchor the Rotation
Framber Valdez, who has spent the last eight years with the Houston Astros, remains the top available starting pitcher on the free agent market. He posted a 3.66 ERA in 31 starts last season, bringing durability and experience that could significantly strengthen Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
The current Pirates’ rotation features 2025 National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, alongside Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcroft. Top prospect Jared Jones, sidelined last year due to elbow surgery, is expected to return early in the 2026 season, potentially boosting the pitching depth further.
With a generational talent like Skenes leading the rotation, the Pirates have a foundation to build upon. However, they finished 71-91 in 2025, indicating a need for complementary players such as Valdez to help elevate the team’s competitiveness.
Marcell Ozuna Could Fill Offensive Gaps
Marcell Ozuna has served mostly as a designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves in recent seasons. In 145 games last year, he produced a batting line of .232/.355/.400 with 21 home runs, numbers that would have placed him among Pittsburgh’s team leaders in both home runs and on-base percentage if he had played for them.
The Pirates’ designated hitter slot was one of the weaker offensive positions in MLB last season, with a collective weighted on-base average (wOBA) of .313, ranking eighth-worst. Ozuna’s .334 wOBA would have ranked 12th across all teams, suggesting his presence could markedly improve the lineup’s offensive production.
Challenges and Outlook for the Pirates
Despite the Pirates’ active offseason, the team has not reached the playoffs since 2016, marking the second-longest playoff drought in MLB behind the Los Angeles Angels. The front office’s ongoing efforts to acquire proven talent like Ozuna and Valdez signal a commitment to breaking that streak and building a more competitive club.
If these signings materialize, the Pirates could address pressing needs in both pitching and hitting, providing support for younger core players such as Skenes while enhancing their chances of ending a decade-long postseason absence. As spring training approaches, Pittsburgh’s moves in free agency will be pivotal in shaping their 2026 campaign.
